ViewSonic VNB100 and VNB101: Claw-proof netbooks

ViewSonic is jumping on the netbook bandwagon with two machines that sport humidity- and scratch-resistant surfaces

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With every man and his dog having released a netbook, the baton has seemingly fallen to display company ViewSonic. Its 10.2-inch offerings, the VNB101 (pictured above) and VNB100, will be out imminently, but we've been given a heads-up as to how they'll fare against their numerous rivals.

The entry-level VNB100, priced at £300, has, according to ViewSonic, "all mobile functions you need to go with". These include a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, 6-hour battery life and a surface 'technology' that makes it makes it resistant to humidity and scratches -- perfect for when you're hunting big cats in the jungle then.

The range-topping VNB101 is similarly claw-resistant. But, despite a marginally quicker Atom N280 CPU, an edge-to-edge, 'frameless' display and a lighter 1.1kg chassis, it seems to be, sort of, worse than the cheap one. It has a downgraded, 0.3-megapixel webcam, one less USB port and only 5-hour battery life. Bizarrely, you have to pay an extra £30 for the privilege of owning this machine.

We'll have full hands-on sessions with both units in the very near future, so keep your eyes peeled. In the meantime, head to the photo gallery to check out a close-up of the superior inferior VNB100.